The 19th edition of the Indian Premier League is set to begin on March 28, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru entering the season as the defending champions.
As always, the tournament promises high-intensity competition with franchises aiming to dominate the league with a refreshed squad setup.
While some teams have retained the core of their previous squads, others have made significant changes to strengthen their lineup. Leadership plays a crucial role in a tournament as competitive as the IPL. Several franchises have retained their captains, while a few have appointed new leaders ahead of the season.
Over the years, legendary captains such as MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli have set high standards with their leadership and contributions to their teams. At the same time, a new generation of players has stepped forward to take on leadership roles. However, injuries, workload management, or other unforeseen circumstances can sometimes force captains to miss games. In such scenarios, having a reliable backup captain becomes extremely important for any franchise.
Here are team-wise backup captain for each franchise in IPL 2026:
Chennai Super Kings - Sanju Samson
Chennai Super Kings made headlines ahead of the 2026 season by trading Sanju Samson from Rajasthan Royals. It was considered one of the biggest trades in IPL history. The team will continue to be led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, who captained the side previously.
Gaikwad had led CSK in the previous season but was briefly sidelined due to injury, during which MS Dhoni stepped in to lead the team. With Gaikwad back as captain, Samson’s leadership experience makes him a strong candidate to act as the backup captain. Samson previously captained Rajasthan Royals and guided them to the final of the 2022 IPL season. Overall, he has scored 4704 runs in 177 IPL matches.
Mumbai Indians - Suryakumar Yadav
Mumbai Indians will once again be led by Hardik Pandya in IPL 2026. The five-time champions had a mixed campaign in the previous season, where they were eliminated in Qualifier 2 after losing to Punjab Kings.
With MI looking to return to their dominant best, Suryakumar Yadav is expected to serve as the backup captain. Recently, he led the Indian team to victory in the T20 World Cup 2026, gaining valuable leadership experience at the international level. His ability to stay calm under pressure and guide the team makes him an ideal choice. In the IPL, Suryakumar has scored 4311 runs in 166 matches.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru - Jitesh Sharma
Wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma could serve as the backup captain for RCB in the upcoming season. The franchise is currently led by Rajat Patidar, who guided the team to their maiden IPL title in 2025.
Patidar has previously captained teams in domestic competitions such as the Ranji Trophy, Duleep Trophy, and Irani Cup. Meanwhile, Jitesh also gained leadership exposure after captaining the side in one match during the previous season in Patidar’s absence. He has also led India A in the Rising Stars Asia Cup. In his IPL career so far, Jitesh has scored 991 runs in 55 matches.
Punjab Kings - Marcus Stoinis
Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis could serve as the backup captain for Punjab Kings. The team will be led by Shreyas Iyer, who was bought during the IPL 2025 mega auction and successfully guided the team to the final after an 11-year wait.
Although PBKS lost the final to Royal Challengers Bengaluru, they showed strong performances throughout the season. Stoinis, with his experience in leading franchises across different T20 leagues around the world, could step in if required. In the IPL, he has scored 2026 runs and taken 44 wickets.
Kolkata Knight Riders - Rinku Singh
Rinku Singhcould serve as the backup captain for KKR, who will be led by Ajinkya Rahane in IPL 2026. KKR endured a difficult campaign in the previous season but strengthened their squad through the mini-auction by adding players such as Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, and Cameron Green.
Rinku has been one of KKR’s most dependable finishers in recent years and possesses strong leadership qualities. He is also famously known for hitting five consecutive sixes in the final over of a dramatic IPL chase. Overall, he has scored 665 runs in 45 IPL matches.
Gujarat Titans - Jos Buttler
For Gujarat Titans, England wicketkeeper-batter Jos Buttlercould serve as the backup captain behind Shubman Gill. Gill led the team well in the previous season and guided them to the playoffs with consistent performances.
Gujarat Titans have already enjoyed significant success in the IPL, winning the title in 2022 and finishing runners-up in 2023. Buttler, who has captained the England national cricket team in international tournaments, brings vast leadership experience. In the IPL, he has scored 4120 runs in 121 matches.
Lucknow Super Giants - Aiden Markram
Aiden Markramcould act as the backup captain for Lucknow Super Giants. The team is currently led by Rishabh Pant, who was bought for a record INR 27 crore ahead of the previous season.
Although LSG struggled to deliver consistent performances, Markram’s leadership credentials make him a strong option. He currently captains the white-ball teams for the South Africa national cricket team and led them to the semifinals of the 2026 T20 World Cup. In the IPL, Markram has scored 1440 runs in 57 matches.
Rajasthan Royals - Ravindra Jadeja
Veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadejacould be the backup captain for Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2026. The franchise appointed Riyan Parag as their captain after Sanju Samson moved to CSK in a trade deal involving Jadeja and Sam Curran.
Parag gained some leadership experience during the previous season when Samson was unavailable due to injury. With Jadeja’s vast experience in international cricket and past leadership exposure with Chennai Super Kings, he could provide valuable guidance if required. Jadeja has scored 3260 runs and taken 170 wickets in 174 IPL matches.
Sunrisers Hyderabad - Ishan Kishan
Sunrisers Hyderabad will continue to be led by Pat Cummins. Under Cummins, SRH reached the final in the 2024 IPL season and remained competitive in the following campaign.
As a backup captaincy option, wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan could play an important role. Kishan finished as one of India’s leading run-scorers in the recently concluded T20 World Cup and also captained Jharkhand to their maiden Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title. In the IPL, he has scored 2998 runs in 119 matches.
DC - KL Rahul
For Delhi Capitals, KL Rahulcould serve as the backup captain behind Axar Patel. Axar led the team in the previous season where they finished fifth on the points table.
The left-arm all-rounder was also recently promoted as India’s T20I vice-captain. However, he missed a few matches last season due to injury, during which Faf du Plessis stepped in as stand-in captain. Rahul, who previously captained Lucknow Super Giants and has also led the Indian team on certain occasions, brings significant leadership experience. Overall, he has scored 5222 runs in 145 IPL matches.
